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SOUTH BEND ― Christian Gray surprised some people in August when he won a starting cornerback position for Notre Dame football out of fall camp.
While the sophomore has had his fair share of ups-and-downs along the way, Gray feels like he’s finding his footing as the Fighting Irish prepare for Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl Thursday (7:30 p.m., ESPN).
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“I feel very comfortable ― not at ease, but I feel like I’m elevating every day in my confidence and my game,” Gray said. “I feel relaxed in where I’m at.”
Bouncing back from tough performances
Gray has been the target of recent opponents USC and Georgia, the former at the end of the regular season and the latter in the Sugar Bowl playoff quarterfinal. He struggled for most of the game against USC, but was able to get the proverbial last laugh when he recorded a 99-yard pick-six that all-but sealed a playoff spot for the Irish.
It seemed like Gray would struggle against Georgia when he allowed a 67-yard completion against Arian Smith. Gray rallied back from that, though, to help limit the Bulldogs to just 167 passing yards outside the one big play.
“Sometimes it happens,” Gray said. “Even in the big leagues, you can get a fade ball caught on you, or a touchdown caught on you. It happens; it’s football. One play, one life.”
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Along with getting support from his mother, Gray relies on advice his grandfather gave him as a child to persevere through tough moments.
“Growing up, my grandpa always told me to keep my head up even when something isn’t going right,” Gray said. “That’s what being a man…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/one-play-one-life-mantra-090327947.html
Author : South Bend Tribune
Publish date : 2025-01-06 09:03:00
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